Last week letters editor Paul Russell asked readers: “Does Quebec have a future in Canada?” Approximately 60 people responded, with about 40 saying “no.”

Please serve thedivorcepapers, now

— Quebecers are nice, in fact most of them are lovely, but they always elect European-style elitist fools who do not reflect the values of mainstream Canada. Also, the influential French media are left-leaning jackasses who flunked Economics 101. It’s time to remove an irritant from the Canadian body politic, much like a dog scratches to rid itself of fleas. Canada gets a huge bonus as the NDP base must leave with them. Barry Jackson, St-Lazare, Que.

— Quebec is essentially an independent country without the financial responsibility of independence. As a question of language protection, the French language is insignificant in the integrating North American-South American economy. I wish Quebec well, but more importantly I wish I had a vote the next time Canada is auctioned in Quebec — the other partners in this confederation are equally entitled to a referendum to decide if Quebec can stay. Mark Whiffen, Ottawa.

— Quebec has no future in Canada, for all our sake. I live in Montreal and Toronto and have a unique vantage point. Language is/was never the issue — it’s culture. For the good of both countries Quebec must separate. The tremendous economic advantages to both nations would be enhanced by incredible cultural growth for each. Nationalistic Big Brother socialism (see France) is firmly entrenched in Quebec culture, whereas Canada must develop its own anglo/American smaller government society. Both will survive just fine. James Martin, Montreal/Toronto.

— One never hears discussion of the rate of interest an independent Quebec would be forced to pay to borrow necessary hundreds of millions of dollars in world money markets. Can separatist dreamers even read a balance sheet? And how could a populace that can’t even use turn signals on its vehicles comprehend the complexities of nationhood ? Selby Martin, Toronto.

— The rest of Canada should accept that Quebec is a misfit. It is not in the best interests of either party to stay together. Quebecers have made a choice to live in a state governed by politicians and union leaders who are out to milk the rest of Canada in order to buy the silence of Quebec’s citizens. That can’t last. Canada should protect its prosperity by leaving Quebec to follow the path to misery all on its own. Jim Henry, St. Catharines, Ont.

— Quebec politicians cannot be trusted. For them, Canada is nothing more than a convenient ATM. And as long as they can stop in to withdraw cash, why would they cut up their Canada debit card? It’ll be up to Canada to be the adult in the room, to sit Quebec down and say, “Enough, time to move out of the basement and make a life of your own”. Bernie Dobrucki, Toronto.

— In 75 words or less? I can answer in one word. “Bye.” G. Benvenuti, Niagara on The Lake, Ont.

— Decades of cheque writing, French immersion, preferential public appointments and other kowtowing to nationalists have failed to make Quebec a partner in Confederation. There must be a complete divorce with no Quebec visiting rights to Canadian committees, institutions or government departments having anything to do with the economy, the military, culture or, indeed, anything else. We have nothing to lose except a poisonous relationship based on extortion. Garth Klatt, Calgary.

— As long as what is consumed by the takers is more than what is produced by the givers, Quebec does not have a future within Canada. David W. Lincoln, Edmonton.

— I moved from Ottawa to Toronto and then Victoria many years ago to distance myself from Quebec politics and official bilingualism. Notwithstanding, my three children took French-immersion in school and are fluently unilingual English. Now, the rest of Canada should separate from the economic basket-case that is Quebec to allow the deux nations to get on with their respective socio-economic futures. Tony Beckett, Victoria.

— The question is posed backwards. The proper question to ask is “Does Canada have a Quebec in its future?” The conceit of Quebec separatists through the years has been that they, and they alone can determine the nature and shape of Canada. This they cannot do as it exceeds any authority the provincial government in Quebec has. It is long past time for some silence from the souveraintistes, pequistes and other assorted ‘istes’. Hazen McDonald, Mississauga, Ont.

— The problem with Quebec is that it wants everything the ROC has to offer them, but they have no respect for the ROC and they certainly don’t want to say “thank you.” So, maybe a divorce is best for the ROC. Louise Fribance, Powell River, B.C.

— It would be better if Quebec left the Canadian federation. The patience of Canadians has already worn thin due to the constant threat of separation. No matter how much money Ottawa pours into Quebec or how many concessions it makes, Quebecers are still unhappy. Sovereignty still has popular support among Quebecers and we might as well hold another referendum, hopefully the final one. Alejandro Sotto, Montreal.

— Quebec left Canada when it opted for René Lévesque’s separatist party in 1976. All that has happened since is an endless series of costly, humbling negotiations. W.H. Joe Watson, Oakville, Ont.

— Compare Quebec with Holland. Only eight million people speak Dutch which is not an international language. Most Dutch are fluent in at least one other language. Yet Dutch is flourishing. French is an international language with over 120 million speakers, yet French in Quebec is constantly in “danger”. Holland is socialist but pays its way. Quebec does not. Which country would make a better province of Canada? The answer is obvious: Quebec should go. John Purdy, Kirkland, Que.

— The chance to create a truly bilingual nation, with a new shared culture rather than two solitudes may have been there in 1867, but has vanished except in Montreal. There is less and less in common between Quebecers, anglos or francos, and the rest of the country. But the future is globalized, no big need for nation states anymore, therefore no need for drama like referendum, just continuing drifting apart is probably the most practical path. François Duchastel, Shanghai, China.

— What lies ahead for Quebec? Massive debt, student protests, unsustainable government programs and a lousy hockey team. It’s like the lazy brother-in-law two years later who promised to only stay for a month so that he could get get his affairs in order. Steve Flanagan, Ottawa.

— I certainly hope not. However, it will never go without being pushed. A parasite does not voluntarily leave its host. Peter Edwards, Victoria.

— There is absolutely no question in my mind that the province of Quebec should file for divorce due to ‘incompatibility’ in spite of living in the same house for so many years. I simply hope that we, being Canada, can file the “family property statement” as the female spouse and at least recover 50% of what “he” owes us. Peter Burtoft, St. Thomas, Ont.

— I was born and raised in Quebec. As much as I love this province and this culture, it is painful to watch the increase in xenophobic rhetoric and narrow minded views that make the headlines and form government policy. I do believe at some point, just like any divorce, one partner will get fed up and say: “Why don’t you just leave! Oh, and by the way, you can speak to my lawyer about the divorce settlement.” That won’t be pretty. Michael Morey, St-Lazare Que.

— Will a guilt-ridden and fearful “Rest of Canada” continues to kowtow to the incessant demands of both soft and hard-line separatists who scream about “humiliation” while accepting billions of dollars in equalization payments to float their timber-rotten “ship of state”? Since Quebec already is a nation within a nation, why not let it go? Lars Troide, Apple Hill, Ont.

— Quebec will continue to have a great future in Canada as long as it is sustained by the rest of the country. Who else would subsidize their language and culture or provide funding for social programs unavailable in other provinces? But Quebec may eventually have to give up being Canada’s version of Greece — its votes are no longer needed in order for a government to win a majority. Jim Corder, Nanaimo, B.C.

— The tail has been wagging the dog far too long. The only remedy to this is to cut off the tail. The dog will survive very well, but the tail? Don Forbes, Stittsville, Ont.

— There is no love bonding the partners. One constantly threatens to leave unless it gets more. One takes, the other gives. One has raised spoiled, sociopathic children and rewards their violent tantrums. Would any sane marriage counselor say this union must be preserved? Fear not, family members in the Maritimes will remain as Canadian as Alaskans are American. Can we learn from the success of the Czechs and Slovaks? Please, serve the divorce papers, now. Alastair Gordon, Toronto.

Quebec should stay in Canada

— My preferred question is: Does Canada have a future without Quebec? Quebec is rich in history, culture, natural resources and human capital. In its fierce protection of its French heritage and language, Quebec challenges all of us to reflect on why and how Canada distinguishes itself at the international level, particularly from the U.S. My Québécois friends have enriched my life immeasurably. Jim Sanders, Guelph, Ont.

— It’s important to note that there are many people in Quebec that are deeply attached to Canada and want absolutely nothing to do with the separatist project. Mamun Ansari, Montreal.

— Yes, Quebec has an important future in Canada both culturally and politically. But as Conrad Black has so wisely written in this newspaper, with Quebec’s massive provincial debt coupled with the share of Canada’s national debt that Quebec would have to assume if it decided to leave Canada, Quebec would be an international basket case economically somewhere on the scale of Greece. For that reason alone, Quebec is much better off in a strong, united Canada. Bruce Heringa, Edmonton.

— Quebec always has a future in Canada, though maybe not the kind of future it wants. Canadians need to be more like the Americans. Respect for the history of the country and if some individuals do not like it here tell them to take a hike. Someone else will always be willing to take their place. Alistair McKay, Toronto.

— If the largest piece of Canada’s quilt was torn away it would take with it a wealth of culture and history inimitable to the formation and subsequent development of Canada. But it is up to the people of Quebec to decide if they are secure enough to meld their language and their differences into a truly united Canada. If they break away, they may find that the grass is not greener on the other side at all. Jerome Henen, North Vancouver.

— Breaking up any marriage has unforeseeable consequences. If our forefathers had thrown up their hands in frustration, Canada would not exist. We would be citizens of the American economic/military empire. We have failed to solve the Quebec/Canada impasse, but I believe our grandchildren will be more creative. Quebec can be a royal pain in the butt at times, but la belle province is an indispensable member of the Canadian family. Go Canada go! Lloyd Atkins, Vernon, B.C.

— Mankind once lived in isolated communities, speaking thousands of languages. All were essentially ignorant of, and understandably indifferent to, other communities. However, the world has changed. The time has come to put behind us these ancient tribal divisions. Let us have the maturity to reform Canada as one nation and one people, with the courage and confidence to embrace a single common language — our greatest gift to future generations. Iain G. Foulds, Spruce Grove, Alta.

— Does Quebec have a future in Canada? I sure hope so. It certainly would not have much of a future outside of Canada. Mark Sidloi, Cote Saint-Luc, Que.

Other factors to consider

— Provided the conditions of the Clarity Act are met, some areas of Quebec may be allowed to secede from Canada. However, the majority of Quebec’s current landmass was added to the province by the British Crown long after New France/Quebec was ceded to Britain by France in 1763. These lands would certainly stay in Canada, as would other regions where federalist votes prevail. The issue is not the separation of Quebec, but its partition. Michael Peacocke, Ottawa.

— On referendum night in 1971 in Ottawa, I was entertaining clients at the Bare Fax. The girls dancing failed to get a look — the TVs won out. As the evening progressed the results in and final, the mood was both sad and angry but one group, the French Canadians, started celebrating. Asked why, the reply was: “We are getting closer, it is close enough and we keep our jobs.” Quebec is going nowhere. It is all about the money. Canada, eh? Paul MacArthur, Oshawa, Ont.

— If the voters of Quebec have to decide whether to leave the Canadian Confederation, they should face one key question: Will the Republic of Quebec have its own currency or will it use Canada’s currency? If they are offered independence without a sovereign currency, they will be voting for the de facto status of a colony of Canada because Quebec will have have abandoned the right to participate in decisions that determine the value of the currency. Quebec without its own currency, in sum, would be the neo-colononial vassal on Canada. Raymond Heard, Toronto.

— Perhaps a better question would be to speculate as to whether or not Quebecers know what their long term future is and do they care. They flirt with every political party federally and provincially, and yet have no long-term allegiance to any one. Many Quebecers dream of going it alone yet are propped up financially by the rest of Canada. Going forward, Quebec will inevitably be shaped by the attitude of the rest of Canada. Jeff Spooner, Kinburn, Ont.

— Frankly, the future of Quebec is becoming increasingly irrelevant. Globalization, free trade, and the effects of technology in homogenizing culture worldwide have changed the playing field. Many of us who have been devoted federalists now see that, irrespective of what happens to Quebec, Canada will remain strong, and Quebecers will assume both the benefits and obligations of being “maitres chez nous.” If Quebec leaves Confederation, it won’t matter very much in the larger scheme of things. Norm McDougall, Thunder Bay, Ont.

There was not enough room for these letters in Monday’s paper

It is ridiculous to contemplate a Canada without Quebec. We are so intertwined even though it is true unfortunately that on the surface, anglophone and francophone have very little interaction on a daily basis. Back in 1867 Governor-General Monck described us as a new political nationality — there was NEVER going to be one cultural nationality attempted. The very presence of aboriginal peoples and Metis makes that impossible but even in 1867 Irish Catholics and Protestants in Ontario were vastly different from each other without any language duality to complicate the picture. Yes sink or swim, Quebec and TROC are in it for the long haul. It is the only way to set an example of much needed tolerance to the rest of the world. Ron Welker, Kitchener, Ont.

The prospect that the rest of Canada would cleave off the “whiner society” Quebec, makes one giddy with delight. We would need to strike a deal with the U.S. to build a secure corridor highway through Maine to serve Maritime Canada. And of course move the Space Agency out of St. Hubert to Winnipeg. Then there’s the savings to be had by nipping CBC French services in the remaining provinces. I’m voting Yes!Andy Neimers, Digby Neck, N.S.

I left the “occupied” West Island of Montreal 22 years ago because after the win at the supreme court over Bill 101’s sign laws, the Liberal government used the notwithstanding clause to smite it. The masses of Quebec loved it. I then realized that Quebec had separated from Canada, regardless of whether or not we do the paperwork. Now, Canada should close the cheque book and “Let them eat poutine.”T. Needer, Thornhill, Ont.

As a bilingual Canadian raised in Quebec, I have a huge emotional attachment to Quebec and its people. “C’est mon chez-nous.” As a taxpaying citizen of Canada, however, I resent the special status Quebec seeks and receives from the rest of this country’s citizens. Why do we allow it? Quebec would never survive on its own economically. We’ve allowed them to blackmail us by screaming and threatening us with separation, “the time has come, the walrus said”……. and so it has, Quebec, grow up, stop whining, or leave. We will survive without you, sad as it makes me, enough is enough.Barbara Eifler, North Vancouver, B.C

I’m not sure that a velvet divorce is in Canada’s future but more in all likelihood would be a rocky divorce. So let’s get on with it as Canada’s and Quebec’s future would best be served just like what happened with Czechoslovakia. Canada should keep the mostly English south shore and Quebec would get Baffin island in return ? Wouldn’t be nice not to be a bilingual (questionable ) nation any longer as they will always be 95% socialist and we just 15%.Charles Steele, Vineland Ont.

Most Quebecers don’t even consider themselves Canadians, nor do they even celebrate Canada Day, it is an insult to them. If you were to conduct a poll outside an East Montreal, or Quebec City “épicerie” 95 out of 100 french people would say “I’m not Canadian.” They don’t even really consider English-speaking people to be real citizens, more like “illegal residents” or “illegal visitors” that have overextended their vacation.Jeff Barry, Montreal.

The French will never be happy until they separate, so they should go right ahead. Czechoslovakia separated years ago and both sides agree it was a good thing. “Breaking up our country” is just an emotional fear mongering statement. Quebec’s future is to be an independent nation; and the sooner, the better; for all of us.S.R. Watkins, Calgary.

What would a typical family of 10 do, when: 1.One family member demands his/her own language 2.The same family member demands the whole family be bilingual 3.The same family member demands more financial help than is given to the rest 4.The same family member keeps on demanding more and more money 5.The same family member refuses to live within his/her financial means 6.The same family member demands to have a different autonomous identification from the others 7.The same family member threatens repeatedly, to leave if not granted special privileges 8.The same family member refuses to sign a common code of understanding (constitution) Wouldn’t the exasperated family say, ‘for the good of the rest of us, you are free to leave, now please go!”Leonard (Len) Remple, Abbotsford, B.C.

Within Canada, Quebec’s disproportionate and undemocratic influence in Ottawa becomes proportionate to its 25% population, it enjoys its $7-billion equalization subsidy from the rest of Canada, and slowly develops its northern resources. Quebec is going nowhere. It would lose more than it gains without Canada. National governments can form democratic majorities without having to bribe whining Quebec, as the nation’s wealth grows focusing on its Pacific Century.Will Barium, Mississauga, Ont.

Of course Quebec has a future in Canada and indeed a great future. At present Canada subsidizes its social programs and grants Quebec special powers in Canadian institutions, language laws, immigration, international representation and self administration of federal programs. Quebec has all the trappings and powers of an independent state that it wants without the obligation of fiscal responsibility, and evidently Canadians are prepared to accept this arrangement for the foreseeable future.Harvey Kaplan, Thornhill, Ont.

Having Quebec within our confederation is like living with a spoiled child. The next referendum may not be that they want to separate but whether the rest of Canada wants to keep them. They have to realise that once they do become their own nation. That it will spell the end of them being unilingual. They will have to teach their children English to be able to coup with the rest of the world economically. Then the rest of the provinces can become unilingual and use English only. Saving the taxpayers billions annually, that can be used for more important things like our health care and infrastructure. Then have two languages on all our packaging.

Charles Owen, Welland, Ont.

Québec opinion is split between stalwart Canadians and devoted separatists, so that we live in a highly unsatisfactory ménage a trois. Successive Québec governments have adroitly exploited this situation by playing a good-cop bad‑cop routine to extract the most concessions from the ROC. Only the physical partition of Québec between committed Canadians and determined separatists can ever resolve this intolerable situation, and in time it would make us all happier and better off.Peter G. Keith, Calgary.

Quebec, the eternal ingrate parasite will always have a place in Canada – as long as the Federal government allows them to continue their feeding frenzy at the equalization trough, at the expense of the rest of Canada. Cut them off from this and their incessant whining will increase to the point that the rest of Canada will demand that they either shut up and support themselves, or leave.

Discussion with similar-aged Quebeckers in a Florida restaurant. “Canada does not exist without Quebec” trope lay on the table, my standard response “without Quebec’s socialism exploitation Canada would be more than it is now.” “Socialism! Next you will be describing Communism”; the reply, “or Fascism, one of the “isms”. Knowing glances at the mention of Fascism. Further comment, “Just leave! Come back when you are ready.” Michael McCallion Sr., Wainfleet, Ont.

A better question would be: Do anglophones have a future in Quebec? The anglophone community has been poorly served by conflicts of interest, and an organization that claims to be the voice of English education : the Quebec English School Boards Association. Consider : the chairperson of the Lester B. Pearson School Board is also a Director of the QESBA and an Executive Director of the Quebec Federation of Home and School Associations. Recently, the QESBA used the QFHSA as a front, in an attempt to convince the government to maintain elected school boards, which is not a good idea for the future of Quebec’s Anglos.Chris Eustace, Montreal.

With all the language laws and socialistic programs in Quebec, I wouldn’t want to live there. They were the foundation of Canada and it would be a sad day if they left. At this time with their huge debt, it would be financial suicide for them to separate. They wouldn’t be able to take on the Canadian portion of our total debt and that would be a further problem in the independence quest. The rejection of the English language in their schools only tends to isolate their young people and make it hard for them to succeed else where in North America. I think we are stuck with Quebec for some time yet.Martin Bohn, Ardrossan, Alta.

Québec’s future is within Canada. Quebecers aren’t European, they’re Franco North American. Quebecers didn’t go through the French Revolution. Their culture and language is different. Switzerland can be put inside Algonquin Park. France and England fit into Ontario, with room for a little country like Liechtenstein. Quebecers must acknowledge the North American context. Their Quebec language and culture is protected within Canada. Americans aren’t going to put French text on Kellogg’s Cornflakes boxes, and Quebecers aren’t Mexican.Douglas Cornish, Ottawa.

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